Williams Shipping Buys Aberdeen’s GIF Transport & Logistics

Thursday, 28th August 2025

Williams Shipping Expands with Acquisition of GIF Transport and Logistics and New Aberdeen Site

Williams Shipping, one of the UK’s leading marine and logistics service providers, has strengthened its national presence with the acquisition of Aberdeen-based GIF Transport and Logistics. The deal also includes the purchase of a significant site in Dyce, marking a key step in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

The move unites two well-established names in the logistics sector. Both companies confirmed that the partnership will prioritise customer service and collaboration, while ensuring continuity for existing clients.

Day-to-day operations at GIF Transport and Logistics will remain unchanged, with the company continuing to trade under its current name. Existing staff and management will stay in place to maintain service reliability.

Jonathan Williams, Managing Director of Williams Shipping Logistics, said the acquisition builds on a strong working relationship already in place between the two businesses.“This new partnership is built on shared values and a joint commitment to delivering first-class service. By combining the strengths of both companies, we’re creating a stronger foundation for future growth while ensuring customers continue to receive the high standards they expect.”

GIF’s management welcomed the deal, calling it an opportunity to reinforce the company’s position in the logistics market.“We’re excited to join forces with Williams Shipping,” said Brian Pirie, Director of GIF Transport and Logistics. “This allows us to maintain the exceptional service our customers rely on, while also securing long-term growth and sustainability.”

Alongside the acquisition, Williams Shipping has secured a new site in Dyce, which will become a major operational hub. The location will support multiple divisions of the business, including:

GIF Transport and Logistics headquarters, offering expanded warehousing and operational capacity.

Williams Marine Lubricants, providing storage, distribution, and customer service facilities.

Willbox, the group’s container sales and hire division, strengthening services across northeast Scotland.

Commenting on the expansion, Jonathan Williams highlighted the importance of Aberdeen as a strategic location:“This land acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to grow sustainably while supporting the industries we serve. Aberdeen is a vibrant marine and logistics hub, central to the energy transition and offshore support sector. This investment will help us better serve customers and provide services that benefit the wider logistics community.”

GIF Transport and Logistics will now operate as a subsidiary of Williams Shipping. The Dyce site is expected to become operational later this year, with phased development already underway.

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Offshore Safety Showers: Protecting People, Protecting Operations

Wednesday, 27th August 2025

In the fast-growing offshore energy industry, safety isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of every successful operation. Whether you’re running oil & gas platforms, offshore wind farms, or emerging marine energy projects, one thing remains constant: your workforce faces chemical risks every day.

And when accidents happen, response time matters. The right emergency safety shower can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent injury.

Why Offshore Safety Can’t Wait

The offshore sector is expanding rapidly:

– 1,300+ oil & gas platforms already in operation worldwide

– Offshore wind investment is set to triple in 2025 to £51 billion, adding 32 GW of new capacity

– Marine energy markets are growing at 8.1% CAGR through 2034

Growth means more projects, more people, and more exposure to risk. Are your emergency systems ready to keep up?

The Hidden Hazards Offshore

From drilling fluids to refining acids, offshore workers regularly handle chemicals that can burn skin, damage eyes, or even prove fatal. A single splash of hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, or hydrocarbon solvents can cause life-changing injuries in seconds.

Immediate decontamination is critical—and required by ANSI and EN safety standards.

The Hughes Advantage

Hughes Safety Showers designs equipment specifically for remote, harsh, space-limited offshore environments. With over 50 years of experience, we understand what it takes to keep your teams safe at sea.

Tank-Fed Safety Showers

– 1500 L capacity for 15+ minutes of high-flow water, even with no local supply

– Corrosion-resistant stainless steel and GRP construction

– Optional integrated eyewash for complete protection

Plumbed-In Heated Units

– Designed for sub-zero environments down to –35 °C

– Integrated eyewash and handheld eye bath

– Continuous, reliable flow in extreme conditions

Custom Engineered Solutions

Tailored to your site’s exact needs

ANSI/EN compliant, even in unforgiving environments

Backed by decades of offshore safety expertise

Why Choose Hughes?

✅ Proven offshore performance in oil & gas, renewables, and marine platforms
✅ Compliance guaranteed with international standards
✅ Custom solutions built around your site’s challenges
✅ Peace of mind knowing your people—and your operation—are protected

Ready to Strengthen Your Safety?

Protecting your workforce means protecting your business. Don’t wait for an incident to test your emergency systems.

Contact Hughes Safety Showers today to discuss your site requirements or request a tailored quotation. Let’s make sure your team is protected—no matter where in the world your operations take them.

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Robosys Automation Partners with University of Plymouth

Tuesday, 19th August 2025

Robosys Automation, a leader in maritime autonomy solutions, has signed a contract with the University of Plymouth to deliver an advanced autonomous navigation system for the university’s C-Enduro Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV).

As part of the agreement, Robosys will integrate its VOYAGER AI Autonomous Navigation System (ANS) into the C-Enduro USV, named Bauza. The vessel is designed for hydrographic and oceanographic survey work as well as training. Awarded through a Royal Navy contract, the USV will be enhanced with VOYAGER AI to enable safe, intelligent, and efficient over-the-horizon data collection.

VOYAGER AI provides a fully integrated operator experience, combining:

Mission Planner tools
Situational Awareness with radar, AIS, and track overlays on ENC S57 charts
Autopilot Control including routing, waypoints, loitering, collision avoidance, obstacle avoidance, and anti-grounding safeguards

To further expand capabilities, Robosys will also deliver its recently launched USV Remote Control Waistpack, which allows full wireless control in all weather conditions. This system seamlessly switches between a local mothership or shoreside control and the University’s Remote Operations Centre (ROC).

Professor Chris Fogwill, Executive Dean of Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth, said:
“Marine autonomy is a vital component of the UK’s defence and resilience strategies. With Plymouth designated as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, we are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in this field. Robosys’ VOYAGER AI system is globally proven, and its ongoing development will bring significant benefits as we expand our autonomous fleet.”

Adita Nawab, CEO of Robosys Automation, added:
“We are delighted to partner with the University of Plymouth. VOYAGER AI offers an intuitive, fully integrated solution for USV navigation and control, making it an ideal match for the university’s C-Enduro platform.”

Recognised as the leading maritime AI platform worldwide, VOYAGER AI delivers advanced navigation, collision avoidance, decision support, and control solutions up to IMO Degree 4 Maritime Autonomy.

The integration of VOYAGER AI into the University of Plymouth’s Bauza is scheduled for completion in Q3 2025.

Associated Listing:

RoboSys

Motive celebrates 15 Year Anniversary

Monday, 4th August 2025

As Motive celebrates this 15-year milestone, we look back with pride at how far we’ve come – through challenging times, transformative growth, and unwavering commitment.

Motive’s journey began with a simple conversation between two colleagues who saw an opportunity to build something better. It’s a story of resilience through challenging industry times where, rather than give up, the founders made difficult personal and professional decisions to ensure a future for the company.

A period of adversity became a defining moment, driving Motive’s transformation from a specialised rental business into a full-service back-deck and cable lay solutions provider. This strategic evolution, coupled with diversification from traditional oil and gas into the emerging renewables market, cemented the company’s global footprint. With a values-driven team and a clear vision, Motive emerged stronger, more resilient, and better positioned for the future.

In our video celebrating Motive’s 15 Year milestone you can hear about those moments that defined us – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This isn’t just a reflection on our past, it’s an unfiltered look at who Motive are, and at the future we’re continuing to build together.

The company’s success is a testament to its people-first approach. Motive extends its deepest gratitude to every employee, partner, and client who has been part of this incredible journey.

Team Motive is more energised than ever to tackle new challenges and achieve even greater things. The next chapter of the Motive story is just beginning.

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Month: August 2025

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